A) Limited Scleroderma diversifies into:
1. Morphea Scleroderma, characterized by dermatic nodular deformities surrounded by areolas of velvet colouring, in the form of patches of various shapes and sizes. As time passes the deformities develop into hard hyperpigmented plaques of smooth and atrophic skin.
2. Linear Scleroderma, which usually appears on upper and lower limbs but also on the forehead causing deformities in the form of “sword blows” and permanent alopecia on the infected area of the scalp.
3. Guttae Scleroderma or white atrophic lichen in the form of scleroderma.
B) Diffuse Scleroderma
It more frequently infects women between 35 and 50 years of age, but it can also appear at any age. In its most common form, the ailment commences as sclerodactyly. The skin of the fingers gets thinner with time and the fingers themselves become more acute, suffer immobility of the distal phalanx or necrosis and absorption of the nail bearing phalanx.
Simultaneously sclerosis of the subcutaneous layer of the upper limbs develops, which gradually makes its way towards the neck, the torso and the face. Similar symptoms develop on the toes, extend through the calf and force patients to move in small steps. The face turns immobile, deprived of expression, the skin taunted and attached to the bones below. The tip of the nose turns acute; the lips wrinkle with vertical folds, the mouth opens hard and in a limited fashion.
The disease affects all tissues and organs containing collagen, particularly the alimentary canal, the lungs, the heart and the kidneys. It develops in a slow rate and finally results in death.
